Vaccine Requirement

 

Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine

All entering students at an institution of higher education are required to show proof of an initial meningococcal vaccination or a booster dose during the five-year period prior to enrolling. They must get the vaccine at least 10 days before the semester begins. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, students may show proof of vaccination against meningococcal disease by providing their college or university with an immunization record that shows they have been vaccinated against meningococcal disease in the last five years. Vaccinations older than 5 years will require a booster. Acceptable proof includes one of the following:

  • A form showing the signature or stamp of a physician or his/her designee, or public health personnel that shows the month, day, and year the vaccination dose or booster was administered
  • An official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority that shows the month, day, and year the vaccination or booster dose was administered
  • An official record received from school officials (includes records from out of state)

Students may get a copy of their immunization records from their private healthcare provider or local health department, depending on where the vaccination(s) were administered. If the student's immunization records are in ImmTrac2, the Texas Immunization Registry, he or she can request a copy by calling the Texas Immunization Information Line at 1-800-252-9152. Please note that individuals 18-26 years of age must re-consent as an adult in order to stay in the registry.  

Which Students Are Required To Receive Meningococcal Vaccine?

  • A first-time student of an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education
  • A transfer student from another institution
  • A returning student who attended college before January 1, 2012, who is enrolling in the same or another institution of higher education following a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester

Which Students Are Not Required To Receive Meningococcal Vaccine?

  • Students 22 years of age or older by the first day of the start of the semester
  • Students enrolled only in online or other distance education courses
  • Students enrolled in a continuing education course or program that is less than 360 contact hours, or continuing education corporate training
  • Students enrolled in a dual credit course which is taught at a public or private K-12 facility not located on a higher education institution campus
  • Students incarcerated in a Texas prison
  • Students who are not enrolled in an institution of higher education
  • Students submitting an affidavit or a certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed and in good standing to practice medicine in the United States, stating that, in the physician's opinion, the vaccination required would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student
  • Students who submit an affidavit/form signed by the student (or the parent/legal guardian/managing conservator, if applicable) stating the student declines the vaccination for bacterial meningitis for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief
  • For students obtaining exemptions from vaccination, these exemptions do not apply during a disaster or public health emergency, terrorist attack, hostile military or paramilitary action, or extraordinary law enforcement emergency; declared by an appropriate official or authority from the Texas Department of State Health Services; and in effect for the location of the institution the student attends

Evidence to decline Bacterial Meningitis vaccination must be submitted if:

  • You cannot take the vaccine because of medical reasons and have submitted an affidavit or certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States, in which it is stated that, in the physician's opinion, the vaccine required would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student.  Download the Bacterial Meningitis Medical Waiver Form.
  • You decline the vaccine due to reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, and have submitted an affidavit that is notarized and signed by the student.  Please note: You must complete an original, Texas Department of State Health Services Vaccine Exemption Affidavit Form. Click here to request a Vaccine Exemption Affidavit Form. This is the only acceptable documentation for this exemption. The original, notarized form must be submitted to the Laredo College Office of Admissions at least 10 days prior to the first day of the semester.  

Important considerations about Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination:

  • Bacterial Meningitis vaccination must be received at least 10 days prior to the start of the semester. The vaccination must be no more than 5 years old from the date you first enroll.  Vaccinations older than 5 years will require a booster.
  • All documents should include the student's name and date of birth.
  • International students are strongly encouraged to obtain the Bacterial Meningitis vaccination before entering the United States or moving to the Laredo area.

For more information about vaccine requirements, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website.